Speedo exchange
 

I wanted to know if there is anyone who knows the best method to swapping a speedo in an FC to mate with GM trans? Is there a way to pull apart the cluster and change out the speedo with a clean look? I am not sure if I want to buy a speedo cable that is customized or cheaper and easier to swap the speedo dial out completely. Thanks

You actually have two things to deal with:
-Physically connecting the speedo to the trans (are you sure your trans has a cable drive?)

-Making the speedo accurate

If in fact you do have a cable drive from the transmission, it would be far easier to custom make a cable. You'll probably have to swap out drive gears to get the speedo reading correctly.

It may be possible to graft the speedo from your donor vehicle into the FC cluster, but it's hard to tell unless you have one to look at.

Another option would be to see if there's an electronic sender that fits your trans.
For example, the FD electronic sending unit will bolt right into a FC cable drive, allowing the use of an electronic speedo.
I'd be surprised if something similar wasn't possible with GM.

If that can happen, your options expand.
Many Acura electric speedos will essentially drop right in to a FC cluster.
You'd probably then need a Dakota Digital box to condition the signal and make the reading accurate.

Or, easiest but most expensive would be to get a Speedhut GPS speedo.

Haha, budget is my key...the reason I have an FC and not FD. But, thanks- the trans I'm running is a 200-4r and I do have the original speedo cable with it. I was looking at the camaro gauge & it looked similar size, but only way I can find out is to buy and try- which will be waste of needed cash if it doesn't. Electronic options would be awesome, and I will have to learn how to do that.
My wholistic goal is to have something that looks natural in the dash- even if it means no speedo for a year. If I get pulled over, I can legitimize my speedometer doesn't work. lol

trust me telling a cop your speedo doesn't work won't get you out of a ticket. if anything you'll just get more. ask me how i know.....

It isn't a "waste" of cash (and isn't all cash "needed"?), it's R & D and you'd better get used to it.
Any time you stray from OEM/original, expect to pay extra as you fumble your way to completion...it's the nature of the beast.

Has your engine been swapped as well?

If so, swapping in the whole cluster from the donor car might (big emphasis on "might") be the better option.